The complaints of assault, criminal trespass, and pointing a gun at a person that were filed earlier this week against Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman were withdrawn yesterday, thus canceling the hearing that was scheduled for earlier today.

In case you're new to the story, With Leather ham-handedly first reported the story after speaking to people at the party where Odell Thurman (allegedly) kicked did not kick a man's face after the man asked Odell to please stop grinding on the man's girlfriend. Other things that probably happened but will not be brought to light inside a courtroom: Odell leaving the party only to come back with guns and friends, Odell's brother sticking a gun in a partygoer's mouth, and Odell paying the accusers enough money to withdraw the complaint. Hey, I said probably. It's merely speculation. I wasn't there. Let the record show that no criminal charges were ever filed.

Too bad for Odell that that doesn't matter to Roger Goodell. Thurman, who was suspended all of 2006 for his third violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy, must now get reinstatement from a man who cares about due process about as much as he cares about NFL fans, players, and the media. True fact: Goodell is the NFL's first nihilist commissioner.

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Anytime Czar Goodall strides to a podium I keep expecting to hear "Who'll Stop the Rain" playing ala "Hail to the Chief", in honor of PacMan Jones, of course.

06.08.07 at 3:40 pm

grungedave

nihilist?? fuck me! Say what you want about Gary Bettman, but "creating a fourth-tier sport that sucks" is at least an ethos!

06.08.07 at 3:40 pm

Weed Against Speed

Roger Goodell believes in nothing. And he'll cut off your johnson!

06.08.07 at 3:59 pm

Red

ajs1iron: That's just outstanding.

06.08.07 at 4:06 pm

hardawayhatesyou

This party is also off the hook. Sorry.

06.08.07 at 4:11 pm

Timmy

grungedave: +1 for making a simple reference I was going to make into something much, much more. you made with the funny stuff

06.08.07 at 4:17 pm

UES007

Odell should be worried about Goodell cutting off his johnson or throwing a marmot in his bathtub while he's bathing.

06.08.07 at 4:18 pm

UES007

@ weed – my bad, brother.

06.08.07 at 4:22 pm

Enrico Pallazzo

Putting the Odell in Goodell since 2007…

06.08.07 at 4:32 pm

Punch Rockgroin

Another victory for the American Justice System!

06.08.07 at 4:42 pm

TEXAS

no criminal charges were ever filed It has been a long time since that phrase has been associated with a Bengal.

06.08.07 at 4:45 pm

Timmy

I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for a civil suit

06.08.07 at 5:00 pm

Alex

That must be exhausting.

06.08.07 at 5:28 pm

Hugh B. Brown

It's been exactly one whole week since a Bengal appeared in a courtroom.

I picked a lousy time to start taking the under.

06.08.07 at 5:30 pm

DatDude

Odell is broke. They are just giving him a chance to get back in the league. If he gets reinstated, they get paid big time. You don't leave a party where guns were pointed at you, and come back with more guns. That my friends is premeditated.

06.08.07 at 10:21 pm

Jon Koncak

Odell is off the hook with out a doubt. Imagine that. No complaints or charges were ever filed either. The money grabbers making the false claim realized what would happen if the filed a false report. Why would anyone want to protect Odell anyway? You jumped the gun on the story and so did everyone else. I love it when assholes celebrate a touchdown when there's a penalty 90 yards down field.

You lost this one. Try again.

06.08.07 at 11:26 pm

rayken

I didn't know Odell posted here under the alias of Jon Koncak.

06.08.07 at 11:34 pm

tozer21

im not sure nihilist is the right term for Goodell. He's more of a fascist or authoritarian.

To learn more about nihilists you should go to their web site (I shit you not) http://www.anus.com

06.09.07 at 4:51 am

Anal Hershiser

I was kinda disappointed to learn that Odell did not punt that man in the face. When you're grinding on another man's girl and he asks you to stop, you have free reign to kick him wherever you may please. (Please note: I am Sean "Puffy" Combs)